William’s gaze snapped to the silent man leaning casually against the tree. His eyes narrowed, flickering between Callan and Lucy. She felt William tense, saw his hand drift toward the sword at his hip, as did the men.
The sound of steel filled the air as the men drew their swords. When she turned, Callan was in a fighting crouch, a dagger in each hand.
“Callan helped me escape. I would not be here if not for him.” Lucy looked to William, who with one nod of the head had the men re-sheathing their blades.
With the arch of a brow, Callan put his daggers away and leaned back against the tree, watching everyone.
The cutting glance her husband gave Callan was enough to make most men take a step back, but he stood his ground, waiting.
Lucy turned to face William. His stubbled jaw was clenched, fury simmering beneath the surface now that theinitial shock of seeing her had passed. She laid a gentle hand on his arm.
“I know you’re furious with me, but there is much I must tell you.”
William looked around at the men before he said, “Wymund, see to the horses. We will rest here and hear my lady wife’s tale.” He turned to Callan. “You will join us.”
While the men were seeing to the horses and Margery was sitting on the ground, silently weeping, William took Lucy aside.
“Why did you go to St. John’s Well? You have eyes like that damnable raven that hangs around the castle. What need have you of the well?”
Lucy quickly relayed the events leading up to her kidnapping and subsequent escape with Callan’s aid. William’s thunderous scowl deepened.
The guilt for putting so many at risk threatened to overwhelm her as Lucy told William about the note.
“You thought one of your sisters...” He lowered his voice. “Traveled from the future as you did?”
She nodded, unable to answer him without bawling her head off.
“Aye, I know you well. You would have rushed off, not even considering it could be a ruse.” William scowled at her. “I am vexed with you, but I too would risk much to save a brother, had I one.”
It wasn’t the time, but soon she’d tell him. He did in fact have a brother, one leaning against a tree, scowling just like her husband did when he was angry.
Seeming to come to some decision, Lucy saw the moment the tension left William as he turned to fully face Callan.
“It seems I owe you a debt for returning my wife to me unharmed. You have my gratitude.”
Callan merely inclined his head, saying nothing.
After so many days apart, Lucy could finally breathe once more now that she was with William again.
Wiping her eyes, she turned in a circle. “Where is Albin? I do not see him.” Ice flooded through her. “Is he well?”
Her husband side-eyed Callan, who was still standing off to one side watching the proceedings, silent and waiting.
“Do not worry over him. I sent Albin ahead to Blackford with the horses. You were right. He did well on this journey.”
“I’m surprised you’d say ‘you were right’ after hearing all the trouble I’ve caused.”
He merely arched a brow, telling Lucy there would still be hell to pay later.
William’s tunic and hose were caked with dirt, there was a smudge of dirt on one cheek, and she could see beneath the gruff exterior, the worry, making her feel even worse than she already did.
When the men were finished making camp and Callan joined them, Lucy told the men about Agnes and the potential danger to the children. “…So it’s all my fault. I’m so very sorry.”
Thomas came to stand before her. He went down on one knee, offering his sword.
“Nay, I failed you, lady. I am not fit to lead your men.”
Everyone was watching as she looked to William, who gave her a look like, they’re your men, deal with it.
